News & Events

News | CBLN Joins Mayoral Task Force on Employment & Economic Development for People with Disabilities

June 28, 2017

The CBLN was recently asked to join a new Mayoral Task Force on Employment & Economic Development for People with Disabilities, facilitated by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. The City of Chicago plays a critical role in addressing the employment gap between people with and without disabilities and the Task Force, comprised of stakeholders, employment experts and City departments, will advise the City on ways to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Through its relationships with these stakeholders, the City can address many of the existing barriers to employment facing the disability community by: encouraging economic development through entrepreneurship; facilitating alignment between job training, referrals, employers and service providers; facilitating greater preparation of students in higher education for careers; and examining City/County policies that promote and/or discourage employment. Learn more about the Task Force online here.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) launched the USBLN Affiliate Supplier Diversity Initiative, enlisting affiliates to design and implement proactive strategies to build awareness and increase utilization of disability-owned businesses in local communities.

We are excited to announce Wells Fargo, a USBLN Corporate Partner and Founding Partner of the USBLN Disability Supplier Diversity Program (DSDP®), will provide generous financial support to aid these efforts with a grant to the CBLN. The CBLN is one of only seven USBLN affiliates to receive this grant which will help local communities embrace the idea of self-employment and entrepreneurship as another clear path to economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities, as well as attract companies who are looking to further diversity their supply chain. It will help the CBLN grow supplier diversity programming within its BLN, as well as identify local disability-owned businesses who may be eligible to apply for USBLN certification as a Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE®) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDV-DOBE™).

The CBLN looks forward to working with the USBLN and Wells Fargo to create more economic opportunities for people with disabilities and their full inclusion in the workforce, marketplace and supply chain. For more information contact Laura Wilhelm (lwilhelm@chicagolandchamber.org).

The CBLN, in partnership with Argosy University and the Schaumburg Business Association, hosted more than 30 representatives from Chicago businesses at a breakfast program in Schaumburg on April 27th entitled – Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Attracting and Supporting Workers with Neurological Differences. During the event, Dr. Cameron Brewer and Dr. Julie Robinson from Argosy University, shared information on the types of conditions that can constitute a neurological disability as well as actionable information on how to recruit, hire and retain qualified candidates with neurological differences. In particular, they offered strategies for interviewing candidates with acquired brain injuries and autism, and shared guidance on supporting neurodiverse workers within an organization’s existing corporate culture. Their presentations led to a robust discussion on autism in the workplace and the complexities surrounding the decision to disclose a disability.

The CBLN wrapped up its programming in 2016 by partnering with Northern Trust on a December 1st panel discussion on the Global Aspects of Disability. Over 60 participants from CBLN partner businesses attended this thought-provoking discussion on disability inclusion across the globe.

Connie Lindsey, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity & Inclusion at Northern Trust, kicked off the event. A panel presentation followed featuring presentations by Sarah Parker Harris, PhD, Pia Justesen PhD, and Robert Gould PhD, from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department of Disability and Human Development.

The presentation led to a robust discussion among panelists and attendees highlighting topics relevant to Chicago area businesses that are building disability inclusion into their international organizations.

Events | Awakening the Autism Entrepreneur Workshop

September 14, 2016

You’re invited to attend “The Awakening the Autism Entrepreneur Workshop,” taking place on Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th at St. James Commons at the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago in the Grand Hall.

This 1 day workshop is supported by both the Nogwog (No Greatness Without Goodness) Disability Initiative as well as Have Dreams – two organizations dedicated to empowering individuals with autism as well as disability inclusionin the workplace. Attend either day for sessions led by entrepreneurs that have started businesses with the intention to employ individuals with autism.

The Awakening the Autism Entrepreneur Workshop will take place either The registration fee of $15 includes a box lunch and refreshments. For more information or to register, click here.

News | Beyond Accommodation: Mental Health in the Workplace

March 31, 2016

National leaders came together for an inspiring and practical discussion about effective strategies to accommodate individuals with mental illness/addiction, as well as to help create a healthy, stigma-free workplace that improves performance and wellness for all employees.

Chicago, IL – Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust has officially renewed its commitment to the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Foundation by committing $100,000 to support its Chicagoland Business Leadership Network (CBLN) program.

The CBLN is Illinois’ only business-led, business-focused organization that addresses specific needs relating to the inclusion of people with disabilities from a talent, customer, supplier diversity and community perspective. The CBLN serves as the bridge between businesses and people with disabilities, providing the robust educational programming, actionable information and resources, best practices, and constructive networking opportunities that enable greater disability inclusion.

News | Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit

On November 17, a group of more than 275 community leaders, business leaders, and professionals in the fields of human resources, talent acquisition, and diversity and inclusion joined us at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois in Chicago at the 1st annual Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit.

The spectacular view of Lake Michigan from 30th floor of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield building was a fitting backdrop for this historic inaugural event, which was designed to help employers drive performance and gain competitive advantage through the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, supply chain as well as the marketplace.